Cooperation opportunity between VAST and NASA
At the invitation of Administrator of NASA Charles F. Bolden, Jr, on August 7th 2012, a delegation from the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) led by Prof. Chau Van Minh, VAST president, paid a working visit to NASA. This was the first visit of VAST president to NASA since the two sides signed a cooperation agreement on scientific research in the field of space technology. The visit aimed to concretize and prepare for the implementation of activities in the joint declaration, signed on December 5th 2011. The delegation also included Assoc. Prof. Ninh Khac Ban, head of the Department of International Cooperation; Assoc. Prof. Phan Van Kiem, head of the Department of Organization and Personnel; Assoc. Prof. Pham Anh Tuan, director of the National Satellite Centre; Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, director of the Institute of Geophysics; Dr. Le Thanh Binh, science and technology counsellor of Vietnam in the US; and Trinh Thanh Giang, director of NEWTACO company.
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| VAST President, Prof. Chau Van Minh and Administrator of NASA, major-general Charles F. Bolden, Jr, exchanged results of earth observation from space | VAST President, Prof. Chau Van Minh took a photo with Administrator of NASA, major-general Charles F.Bolden, Jr, and Deputy Administrator of NASA, Lori B. Garver |
On August 8th, 2012, the VAST delegation had a working session with partners at the head office of NASA about issues concerning cooperation opportunities on treating, using and sharing data to serve natural disaster predictions, weather forecasts, ecosystem and climate change forecasts, as well as for application in the management and exploitation of natural resources and in agricultural production.
Two sides accessed cooperation results made by VAST and NASA scientists, and discussed cooperation in the future, such as the programme “Southeast Asia Composition, Cloud, Climate Coupling Regional Study” (SEAC4RS), which exchanged photos and data about satellites as well as strengthened the competence of VAST in the fields of satellite study and earth science. VAST proposed that NASA support the academy’s participation in SERVIR programme, and the NASA Administrator responded positively.
Kerri-Ann Jones, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, received the VAST delegation
In the afternoon of August 9th, the VAST delegation visited the US Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. The two sides reviewed cooperation activities between VAST and US organizations for scientific studies, and discussed VAST’s proposal to participate in the SERVIR programme. Kerri-Ann Jones, United States Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, appreciated the cooperation between scientists from VAST and the US in the fields of satellite study, earth science research, marine and environmental study. She emphasized discussion results from the meeting on August 8th 2012 between VAST and NASA, as well as supported VAST’s proposal to participate in the SERVIR programme.
During the visit, the VAST delegation also visited several NASA foundations such as Goddard Space Centre and centres for earth science studies.
The visit aimed to strengthen mutual understanding and confidence, developing strategic partner relations about space science studies between VAST and NASA, contributing to implementing the strategy of the government on research and application of space technology until 2020.
Prof. Chau Van Minh and members of VAST delegation and director of research programmes of NASA discussed cooperation fields between VAST and NASA at a meeting
VAST delegation took a photo with NASA leaders
Translated by Tuyet Nhung
